ROUNDS: What Critics & Players Say
A summary of critic and player reviews — not a hands-on review.
▶ ROUNDS is widely regarded as a fast-paced, addictive, and chaotic multiplayer experience that shines most when played with friends or enhanced by mods.
What is ROUNDS?
ROUNDS is a 1v1 rogue-lite shooter developed by Landfall. Set in side-view arenas, the game pits two players against one another in a series of escalating battles. The core premise revolves around a dynamic power balance where the losing player is granted upgrades, allowing them to build a specialized loadout to counter their opponent's strengths.
How It Plays
Players engage in combat using automatic weapons, jumping and blocking while utilizing the environment for cover. The gameplay loop consists of short rounds of fighting followed by a drafting phase. After a round ends, the loser selects a card to upgrade their abilities or weapon effects, leading to increasingly intense and 'dumb' build combinations that shift the tide of the match.
The Consensus
Both players and reviewers agree that the game is a snappy, satisfying, and highly addictive title. There is a shared sentiment that while the base game is strong, the community-created mods significantly expand the experience and add necessary depth to the content.
What Critics Say
Formal critic coverage is limited, as the game is not listed on major aggregates like OpenCritic. However, independent reviewers and video critics describe it as an 'incredibly addicting' and 'satisfying' multiplayer roguelike, praising it as a quick, affordable title that provides hours of entertainment.
What Players Say
Players overwhelmingly praise the game for its chaotic fun and non-toxic online community. Many highlight that the game is best experienced with friends and becomes 'complete' once modded. Some users noted that the modding process can be confusing for beginners and that the pacing can feel slow when waiting for opponents to pick cards.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Fast-paced and chaotic 1v1 combat
- ✓ Satisfying rogue-lite upgrade system
- ✓ Strong community and modding support
- ✓ Low barrier to entry with snappy mechanics
Cons
- ✗ Limited base content without mods
- ✗ Pacing issues during card selection phases
- ✗ Modding process can be confusing for new users
Who It's For
👍 Who it's for: Players looking for a casual, high-energy multiplayer game to play with friends or those who enjoy experimenting with broken, overpowered builds.
👎 Who should skip it: Those seeking a deep, content-rich single-player experience or players who dislike waiting for opponents during turn-based drafting.
💲 Worth it? At $5.99, reviewers consider it a great value that offers hours of fun for a very low cost.
How It Compares
| Compared to | How ROUNDS differs |
|---|---|
| Slay the Spire | Unlike this traditional deckbuilder, ROUNDS applies its card-based upgrades to real-time combat physics. |
| Super Smash Bros. | While both are platform fighters, ROUNDS focuses on rogue-lite weapon scaling rather than character-specific move sets. |
Screenshots
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ROUNDS a single-player game?
It is primarily a 1v1 multiplayer shooter.
Does the game support mods?
Yes, players report that mods significantly improve and complete the game experience.
How do the upgrades work?
The losing player of each round unlocks upgrades to help them counter their opponent's build.
Is the online community friendly?
Players describe the online player base as 'very chill and non-toxic'.
What is the perspective of the gameplay?
The game takes place in side-view arenas.